Helical device for conversion of fluid potential energy to mechanical energy

ABSTRACT

This device utilizes a helical baffle inside of generally cylindrical housing to convert potential energy of a fluid to Kinetic and/or mechanical energy that can be captured for productive use. The housing&#39;s axis is positioned at an angle from horizontal and the fluid is entered into the high end of the device. The helical baffles convert the gravity-induced pressure of the water into a torque moment around the axis of the cylinder causing the helix to rotate. Mechanical energy is then extracted from this rotation and utilized in a productive manner, typically by driving an electrical generator. The implementation of this concept in hydroelectric applications provides substantial benefits over traditional turbine generation in efficiency and reducing environmental concerns.

APPENDIX DATA

Definitions Appendix_A Generally cylindrical □ Describes a housing withradial symmetry but where the radius measurement may vary along theaxial length. I.e., the housing may include tapers, bulges etc. Helicalbaffles □ Describes a fin-like construction from the inside of thehousing toward the axis of the housing. The baffles will be generallysealed to the housing however some weep holes, access points etc. may beincorporated. A version whereby the baffles are semi-sealed but notphysically connected to the housing is also claimed. The pitch of thehelix may be varied along the axial length of the housing. The profileof the baffle (the cross section formed by a plane containing thehousing axis and any radius) may be of a curved nature to maximize thefluid capacity, minimize frictional losses, fluid turbulence orotherwise improve the efficiency of the device. AquaHelix □Proprietaryterm, September 2003 search indicates it is not US Copyrighted as ofthat time, used to describe the mechanism contained in this patent.Sealed □ The term sealed shall be taken to mean allowing minimal leakageof a fluid barrier in relation to the volume of fluid associated withthe device. While the seal will generally be accomplished by solidmaterials, other form of seals allowing relative motion of portions ofthe barrier may be utilized and some degree of leakage may be expectedor intentionally designed.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Of commercial high capacity renewable energy sources, water has thelongest history, is the most easily harnessed and has the best potentialfor an environmentally friendly source of energy. The invention isintended to provide a prefer device ism for use in hydroelectricmechanisms for the conversion of potential energy in the water tomechanical energy. This energy would then be used to power electricalgeneration equipment or put to other productive use. The alternativemethods to accomplish this that are currently in place include but arenot limited to: turbines, water wheels, hydraulic ram pumps, wave andtidal capture mechan and othersisms. Each of these has inherentnegatives, many of which are addressed in AquaHelix the mechanism hereindescribed. The de hereinvice has the potential for retrofit in existinghydroelectric dams and well as in new construction and smaller personalinstallations. The simplicity of this device may make the cost andeffort of operation appealing in otherwise unfeasible situations forconventional technologies

2. Description of Prior Art:

Minimum prior art of this nature has been discovered. The conceptutilized in typical cement mixer trucks actually has similarcharacteristics albeit run in a reverse fashion, and for the purpose ofmixing in a closed recycled nature rather than for transport and energyconversion.

A search of prior art in the area of this invention reed in the thefollowing related but differientiated patents. Substantial differencesbetween claims herein and prior art is described below.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,253,700 covers the use of a helical blade submerged in afluid flow in an attempt to convert energy. The claims of that patentdiffer in numerous ways from that covered herein, but most significantlyin that the basic concept and design is to convert the kinetic energy ofmoving fluid to mechanical energy via a foil effect versus the basicdesign covered herein to extract potential energy from a fluid by achange in elevation into mechanical energy.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,268,226 covered a scheme whereby the internal volume ofa tube is changed by a helical constraint around a plyable tube thatcsause a pumping action when the assembly is subjected to distortion.This patent also differs in substantial ways, the greatest of which isthe lack of helical baffles that constrain a fluid.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,465,430 covered a scheme whereby a stationary helix isutilized to impart a swirl motion to fluid prior to entry into a turbineor propeller to improve efficiency of the turbine or propeller. Thedevice claimed herein is not designed to optimize efficiency of asubsequent step such as a turbine or propeller; it is an energyconversion device in its own right.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,871,304 describes a compressor consisting of a spiralgrove and blade along the length of a cylinder, the geometry of thedevice varies along its length such that the fluid is compressed involume as it moves from input to output. The device claimed herein isnot designed to compress fluid, nor does it rely on the relative motionof internal and external rotating bodies or a blade fitted to a helicalgrove.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,253,700 and 6,293,835 describes a plurality of air foilshapes blades to be utilized in conjunction with a ultra low-head fluidin order to extract or impart kinetic energy from or to a fluid or gas.The device claimed herein differs in substantial ways, the mostsignificant of which is the necessity for a material fluid head and lackof the requirement of air foil shapes blades or material kinetic energyin the fluid or gas.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,257,855 describes a compressor consisting of a set ofhelical rotors which intermesh in order to create a positivedisplacement pump for creation of pressure or vacuum. The device claimedherein differs in substantial ways, the most significant of which is thelack of necessity for dual intermeshing helical rotors.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,673 describes a pump consisting of a helical bafflethrough which one or more balls are transported resulting in thedisplacemand nad transport of the surrounding fluid. The devicedescribed herein among numerous differences does not rely on the use ofballs in the helical channels.

No other patents or demonstrations of similar technology have beendiscovered in USPTO searches or during research and development of thispatent.

Unmet Opportunity in the Industry

With the recent power shortages, middle eastern oil concerns andnational attention to energy costs, this device offers an attractivesolution to harnessing more energy from existing and new hydroelectricgeneration dams and providing a solution for smaller installations forpersonal use, industrial use or sale back to the power grid under PUCnet metering regulations. The device offers a potentially significantimprovement in the conversion efficiency, offering more power fromexisting installations or the same power from fewer installations.

With the growing concern over the regrettable killing of fish and marineanimals in hydroelectric turbines, this invention will be particularlyattractive. It should dramatically reduce this problem by eliminatingthe high speed under water blades and the small volumes of “uncleaved”water that pass thru the turbines and well as dramatically reducing theturbulence and velocity that the water and wild life are subjected to intraditional turbine installations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Drawing 1 This drawing portrays the effect of larger and smaller helixpitch on the volume of liquid in the device. Smaller pitch results inhigher volume.

Drawing 2 This drawing portrays the effect of larger and smaller helixpitch on the spill effect at the exit of the device. Smaller pitchresult in less potential energy loss at discharge.

Drawing 3 This drawing depicts a baffle cross section with a high volumeof water captured in a helix turn

Drawing 4 This drawing portrays a baffle cross section with low surfacearea of the baffle in contact with the fluid

Drawing 5 This drawing portrays the effect of larger radius and helixpitch at the entrance of the device

Drawing 6 This drawing portrays the effect of larger radius and helixpitch at the exit of the device

Drawing 7 This drawing portrays the design of a bulb shaped entranceutilized a siphon feed technique

Drawing 8 This drawing portrays the change in input elevation viashortening or lengthening of the device

Drawing 9 This drawing portrays the change in input elevation viachanging the angle of the device

Drawing 10 This drawing portrays a 3 dimensional view of the preferredembodiment of the device

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A helical baffle is fabricated inside of a generally cylindrical housingsuch that when the device is oriented on an arees, that open cavitiesare created in each of the helical turns between the baffle and theinterior walls of the cylinder. As the laws of physics allow that in asteady state situation, fluid pressure applied to a surface actsperpendicular to a tangent of the surface, that portion of the fluidcontacting the helix will result in a moment of force around the axis ofthe cylinder and a component of force in the downward axial direction. Acomponent of force will also be developed in the radial direction if ahelical profile is utilized that is non-perpendicular to the axis of thehousing. The remainder of the fluid will act on the walls of thecylinder creating additional forces in radial directions. As both radialand axial motion will be constrained by a supporting structure, noenergy will be extracted from the fluid from these components of force.The remaining rotational or moment forces will result in rotation of thehelix and housing (not withstanding claim 8). As the rotational speed iskept relatively low in this deviforces, it will appr a ach physistaticady state conditions as the magnitude of frictional and kinetic forcesof the water will be low compared to those forces described above. Saidotherwise, the frictional drag of the fluid against the baffle andhousing walls will be small as compared to the forces generated by thepressure of the fluid. The resulting force vector will cause theassembly to turn about the cylinders axis when adequate bearings orother friction reducing mechanism is utilized to allow the device torotate. The axial vector of force fluid as well as the weight of thedevice itself will simultaneously create a tendency for a downwardmovement along the cylinders rotational axis and therefore will requiresome form of constraint such as a thrust bearing to constrain axialmovement.

Mechanical energy can then be extracted from the rotation of the deviceeither by gearing, belts, frictional or other means from the surfacemotion of the outside of the housing, or by an axial off take thru themiddle of the struc or by other meansture. This mechanical energy canthen be utilizeddesired ent as an energy source for subsequentoperations such as electrical generation.

The improved efficiency of this device verses conventional turbines isderived primarily from the decreased kinetic energy present in thedischarge of the fluid and from decreased viscous frictional losses. Thebasic mechanism of most devices in the hydroelectric realm (a principlefocus of this invention) is the conversion of energy from potentialenr(gy, mass (water) at an eleva)ion, to residual potential en (gy, mass(water) at a lower eleva)tion and mechanical energy that can beharnessed and utilized typically for the production of electricity. Theefficiency of the conversion to mechanical energy is dependent on theamount of energy lost to other unharnessed forms specifically frictionalenergy and kinetic energy of the fluid at discharge. Frictional energyultimately shows itself as heat, either in the mechanism, the air or inthe fluid. Kinetic energy is attached to and wasted in the form of massin motion of the fluid at the discharge of the device. The relativemagnitude of energy in each of these formscalculated ded below and isinstructive to see the potential savings of the described device. As thespeed of revolution of the device is slowed to approach 0, so do theloss to kinetic energy and the loss to viscous friction (heat gain) ofthe fluid. The calculation below is instructive as to the magnitude ofpotential gains from the device.

100 tons of water with potential to descend 100 ft contains 7.53Kilowatt-hours of energy

Joules=kg mass*9.81 m/sec2(gravity)*meters height

joules=(100 ton*907.185 kg/ton)*9.81 m/sec2*100 ft*0.3048m/ft=27,126,000 Joules

27,126,000 joules/(3,600,000 Joules/KW-hour)=7.532 Kilowatt-hours ofenergy

100 tons of water traveling at 20 miles per hour at discharge contains1.01 Kilowatt-hours of energy

Joules=Y2*kg mass*m/s velocity2

Joules=Y2*(100 ton*907.185 kg/ton)*20 mph*20 mph*(0.44704(meters/sec)/mph)*(0.44704 (meters/sec)/mph)=3,626,000 Joules

3,626,000 joules/(3,600,000 Joules/KW-hour)=1.01 Kilowatt-hours ofenergy

100 tons of water raised 0.1 degree Fahrenheit from viscous frictionabsorbs 1.48 Kilowatt-hours of energy

100 tons*0.1 degree F.*5/9 degree C./Degree F.*907184grams/ton=5,039,900 gram-degree C.

5,039,900 gram-degree C.*1 BTU/gram-degree C.*0.29307watt-hour/BTU=1,477,043 watt hours

1,477,043 watt hours 0.001 KW-hour/watt-hours=1.477 KW-hours

While a 20 mph discharge speed and 0.1 degree F. discharge watertemperature gain are crude estimates, the benefit of reductions in thisareas are significant, the combined losses of 2.49 Kilowatt-hours being1/3 of the potential energy (7.53 Kilowatt-hours) that could beobtained. The temperature change, while real in concept has the furthercomplication of an evaporative cooling effect that becomes significantin the turbulent discharge of traditional hydroelectric dams whereportions of the wasted kinetic energy hasten evaporative heat transferand result in re-cooling the water, potentially cooler than the entrancetemperature. However, despite this countering effect on the watertemperature, the viscous loses due to high turbulence and turbine shearare no less wasteful in traditional hydroelectric turbine technology. Asthe size of the AquaHelix carrying a gt of volume increases the rpm ofthe device decreases and as the rpm approaches zero the kinetic andviscous frictional loses also approach zero. An optimization of thehigher cost of construction and the frictional loses in the largerdevice itself countered by the lower kinetic and viscous frictionalloses would be utilized to size the device and determine the optimaloperating rpm.

The helix pitch of the baffle can also be optimized to maximize the netpower obtained. This would be accomplished by lab modeling andmeasurement of the net rotational energy obtained from various pitchesfor a given fluid and housing diameter. As the helix pitch is decreased,more turns, the total fluid volume and therefore conversion potentialcontained in the device at any point in time would increase (See Drawing1). In addition the lost potential energy due to the spilling effect atthe exit would also be reduced (See Drawing 2). However, as the helixpitch is decreased surface area exposed to a given amount of fluid isincreased and therefore the viscous frictional losses are larger. Weightof a lower pitch device would also be increased and thereby increasingthe losses to friction in the rotational and thrust bearing surfaces.The optimal pitch will be a function both of the fluid characteristicsand the diameter of the housing as well as the cross section of thebaffle as discussed b

The cross section of the baffle can also be optimized to maximize thenet power obtained. This would be accomplished by optimizing the baffledesign to carry more fluid per turn of the helix versus the viscousfluid losses of various cross sections. A cross section with baseparallel to the fluid surface (horizontal) and a minimal interior radiuswould increase fluid per turn of the helix (See Drawing 3). However, theratio of fluid volume to surface in contact with the housing and bafflecan also be optimized for various angles of the baffle (See Drawing 4).The optimal design will be a compromise between these two extremes thatprovides the maximum net power obtained for a given fluid and housingcharacteristics. The exact profile of the baffle will be optimizedthrough lab and prototype experimentation.

The radii of the housing as well as the radii and pitch and baffles mayvary along the axial length of the device in order to further optimizethe conversion of energy or for physical design considerations, for exam

ple:1. The top, input end of the device may be of increased radius andhelix pitch in order to better accept the inflow of fluid. With a largerradius and pitch fluid can be entered more easily and the average “drop”of fluid which wastes energy to kinetic and heat forms can be minimizedand the depth of the fluid going into the device would be lessened (SeeDrawing 5) thus reducing loss potential energy associated withintroduction of fluid into the device.

2. The bottom, exit end of the device may also be increased in diameterand pitch to decrease the inefficient spill at the exit as well asextracting some of axial direction kinetic energy from the fluid byslowing the exit velocity (See Drawing 6). 3. A bulb shaped top, inputend, may also be utilized with a siphoning configuration to provide foran effective sealing effect between the source of the fluid and theconversion device (See Drawing 7). This concept has potential additionaladvantages of allowing the supply reservoir to be somewhat remote fromthe device. This could potentially be upstream of an area of rapidswhere the accumulated elevation fall is adequate for power generationbut where no individual “fall”is of sufficient elevation. Theconfiguration would also lend it self to adjusting for changes in thesupply reservoir elevation such as when it may become lower than theentrance of the housing.

The input elevation can also be adjusted by shortening or lengtheningthe input end of the device, see Drawing 8 or by changing the angle ofthe device, see Drawing 9. This may be desired to accommodate optimalentry of the fluid as the level of fluid in the supply reservoir mayvary.

As stated in several of the discussions of the invention detail above,the viscous friction between the surfaces of the housing and baffleswith the fluid results in waste. Consequently the surface treatment tominimize friction will be important to address as will the consistencyof the geometry of the fluid chamber as the device turns. Thediscussions of advantage from varying radii and helix pitches above willneed to be optimized against these countering losses as both viscousfriction and turbulence from changes in geometry will result inefficiency losses.

At the center of the device along the axial length the baffles may beleft open to allow overflow from one chamber to the next. This willprovide a self-priming nature to the device. As fluid in entered intothe first baffle area, in the event that the torque generated is notadequate to begin rotation of the device when the chamber becomes full,the fluid will then spill over to the subsequent chamber, and so on,until adequate torque is developed. Relatively small seepage holes maybe utilized at the circumference to accomplish drainage of the devicewhen it is not in operation.

1. A device utilizing a helical baffle contained in a generallycylindrical housing; sealed at the exterior radius and open or sealed atthe interior radius; positioned at an angle of >0 and <90 degrees fromhorizontal; the housing being supported by a mechanism allowing rotationaround the axis of the housing while constraining axial motion (likethat of a thrust bearing); with a mechanism of gears, belts or othermechanical transfer from the housing to off take rotational mechanicalenergy and transfer it to some form of productive use; whereby a fluidis introduce in to the high end of the housing/baffle assembly and whilecausing rotation of the housing and baffle is conveyed to the lower endand discharged; thus extracting potential energy and converting same tokinetic, mechanical and frictional energy.
 2. The device described inclaim 1 where in the housing is shaped in a tapered cylinder orcylindrical like structure of varying radii along the axis in order tomaximize energy conversion from potential fluid energy to rotationalkinetic and mechanical energy while minimizing losses due to frictionaleffects and kinetic energy of the fluid at the points of intake anddischarge.
 3. The device described in claim 1 or 2 wherein the method ofrotational mechanical energy off take is accomplished by an axial shaftat the center of the housing
 4. The device described in claim 1 or 2wherein the method of rotational mechanical energy off take isaccomplished by a mechanical transfer from the exterior of the housing.5. The device described in claims 1, 2 3 or 4 wherein the design of thebaffle allows a small leakage at the exterior radius to accomplishdraining of the device over an extended period of time when out ofoperation.
 6. The device described in claims 1, 2 3 4 or 5 wherein thedesign of the baffle allow a leakage at the center radius to accomplishpriming of the device such that prior to beginning of rotation and/orduring startup, the fluid in higher baffle chambers can spill over intolower baffle chambers until adequate torque is generated to sustaterotation of the housing.
 7. The device described in claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5or 6 wherein a bulb shaped housing at the top, entrance end of thedevice is utilized with siphoning supply piping to accomplish fluidtransmission from the supplying reservoir to the device.
 8. The devicedescribed in claims 1, 2, 3 4 or 5 wherein energy is applied to thehousing and baffle assembly in an opposite direction to the naturalforce of fluid on the helix, thereby creating a lifting device to movethe fluid from a lower to higher elevation. I claim:
 9. A deviceutilizing a helical baffle contained in a generally cylindrical housing;sealed at the junction of the helical baffle and the cylindrical housing(exterior radius) but allowing the helix to rotate relative to thehousing and open or sealed at the interior radius; positioned at anangle of >0 and <90 degrees from horizontal; the baffle being supportedby a mechanism allowing rotation around the axis of the housing whileconstraining axial motion (like that of a thrust bearing); with amechanism of gears, belts or other mechanical transfer from the baffleto off take rotational mechanical energy and transfer it to some form ofproductive use; whereby a fluid is introduced in to the high end of thehousing/baffle assembly and while causing rotation of the baffle isconveyed to the lower end and discharged; thus extracting potentialenergy and convertthe ing same to kinetic, mechanical and frictionalenergy.
 10. The device described in claim 9 we in the housing is shapedin a tapered cylinder or cylindrical like structure of varying radiialong the axis in order to maximize energy conversion from potentialfluid energy to rotational kinetic and mechanical energy whileminimizing losses due to frictional effects and kinetic energy of thefluid at the point of discharge.
 11. The device described in claims 9 or10 wherein the design of the baffle to housing seal allows a smallleakage at the exterior radius to accomplish draining of the device overan extended period of time when out off operation.
 12. The devicedescribed in claims 9, 10 or 11 wherein the design of the baffle allow aleakage at the center radius to accomplish priming of the device suchthat prior to beginning of rotation and/or during startup, the fluid inhigher baffle chambers can spill over into lower baffle chambers untiladequate torque is generated to sustate rotation of the housing.
 13. Thedevice described in claims 9, 10, 11 or 12 wherein a bulb shaped housingat the top, entrance end of the device is utilized with siphoning supplypiping to accomplish fluid transmission from the supplying reservoir tothe device.
 14. The device described in claims 9, 10, 11 or 12 whereinenergy is applied to the baffle assembly in an opposite direction to thenatural force of fluid on the helix, thereby creating a lifting deviceto move the fluid from a lower to higher elevation.